Gurgel looks to rebound from an August 2011 loss to Joe Duarte in the headlining bout of Strikeforce Challengers 18. The always-exciting seven-time UFC veteran and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt is just 1-3 in his past four fights but can always be counted on to deliver a crowd-pleasing brawl.

Meanwhile, Japanese import Hirota fights for the second time under the Strikeforce banner. The seven-year veteran debuted for the promotion in July when he dropped a hard-fought decision to Healy, who earned a title shot with the result.

With the addition to the card, the “Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Healy” lineup now includes:

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